‘Play cricket online’: PCB trolled as new head coach Gary Kirsten addresses Pakistan team through video call

Fans had a field day trolling the Pakistan men's cricket team after their newly appointed white-ball head coach, Gary Kirsten, held the first meeting with the players via video conferencing. The South African is currently in India, working for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Gujarat Titans as the batting coach. 

While Kirsten connected through the video call, the Pakistani players could be seen present in the conference room, taking note of what their new coach was instructing.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), posted a video of the meeting on its social media handles which instantly led to mass trolling, as some suggested that Pakistan team might start playing 'online cricket'. 

"How do players learn from a coach through a laptop screen?" said one user, while another commented: "Only in Pakistan. A WFH coach for the national team."

A third added: "There was a man called MICKEY ARTHUR who was the ONLINE ZOOM coach of Pakistan Cricket. That was the ruining moment of Pakistan Cricket. Hopefully Gary Kirsten will join the team soon. Most likely in ENG series."

Meanwhile, one fan suggested: "Pakistan team should start playing cricket online too."

Also read | PSL set to collide with IPL over scheduling window as PCB proposes new plans for upcoming seasons

Kirsten appointed by PCB

After being appointed the white-ball head coach, Kirsten revealed his ultimate goal was to unite the otherwise fragmented Pakistan team. 

"It's a tremendous honour to be entrusted with the responsibility of coaching the Pakistan men's national team in white-ball cricket and to rejoin the international cricket arena after some time. I eagerly anticipate this opportunity and aim to contribute positively to the Pakistan men's national team in limited-overs cricket," said Kirsten. 

"My goal is to unite Pakistan men's white-ball team, harnessing their talents towards a common objective," he added. 

Under Kirsten, Pakistan will be eager to take giant strides in limited-overs format. They had a miserable run in the 2023 ODI World Cup, in India, where they failed to make it beyond the group stage of the tournament. 

The South African's first major assignment will be the 2024 T20 World Cup, where one-time winners Pakistan is in Group A along with India, Canada, USA and Ireland.

Kirsten won the 50-over World Cup with India in 2011, while managing a roster full of stars. His big challenge with Pakistan, however, remains managing the fragile egos within the team and the upper PCB hierarchy. 

(With inputs from agencies)